Sensei Pascal Lecourt in the Netherlands – Tour Lecourt 2011

from André Brockbernd

Sensei Pascal - Heian Yondan

During the first week of october it happened again. Sensei Pascal Lecourt was a guest from me and together we visited several dojos in the Netherlands for its mission, the spread of the Kase-Ha.

During the weekend of 1 and 2 October there was the traditional seminar at the Dokan dojo in Zeist. The sun was shining through the large windows of the dojo, which created a nice atmosphere. The training items were inspired by this time for the kata heian yondan and kata jitte. Sensei Pascal explained that the name of the kata jitte original jute was. This literally means ten hands or ten hand techniques. He demonstrated the ten open hand techniques. For the first time in my karate career was the name of a kata very well explained. Often the names a legendary or mythical background and are therefore difficult to explain.

Seminar Zeist Dokan Dojo

There was some discussion in the dojo as to what is traditional. It is often said that the kata as shown in the eleven parts of "BEST KARATE of Nakayama (JKA) Shotokan are the traditional method. The Kase-Ha Shotokan is a form of which a part is traditionally developed by Sensei Yoshitaka Funakoshi and a part that has been developed and tested by Sensei Kase. The Shotokan kata as implemented by the J.K.A. were later (after WWII) developed. They differ on some points the way they are done at the Kase-Ha. A partcipant of the seminar asked whether the Pinan kata is the more traditional form. Sensei Pascal gave the answer that it does not appear in the curriculum of the Shotokan and therefore not seen as something in the traditional Shotokan.

Sensei Pascal Explaining Kase Ha

On Monday, October 3, 2011 we visited the dojo of Shotokan Karate Amicale in Rijswijk. We trained in Rijswijk open hand techniques. The emphasis was on the move choice when you went, for the prevention or suppression during or after the exclusion. In the evening we went to the dojo of Sensei Jaap Smaal. Tekki shodan was the item of the seminar. From the bunkai Sensei Pascal explained this kata.

On Tuesday, October 4, 2011 we went to The Hague. Of course we visited the "Binnenhof (central government) and the "Buitenhof. At the end of the afternoon we were invited to dinner with the family of Hans van Galen. At night, in the dojo of Sensei Hans van Galen nijushiho was the training item. With a very enlightening bunkai Sensei Pascal did us the intricacies of this beautiful kata.

Group Seminar The Hague

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011 we were hosted by Shotokan Amicale in Rijswijk. We trained the kata Bassai dai. In the evening we traveled to the dojo of Sensei Ruud Bruinsma to Stadskanaal. The distance, 185 km is a lot, but it was worth it. We were surprised by a big group of karateka. About more than 50 karateka from the north of the Netherlands were introduced to the Shotokan Kase-Ha. This event was possible thanks to the great organization of Michel Rene and Klopstra Bultje. Both gentlemen are very often participating the courses in Zeist Dokan.

Sensei Pascal Lecourt explaining power and stability

This time the program was single and double blocks. I saw many astonished eyes. Sensei Pascal gave again a good impression with its high technical karate skills. Some karateka have literally felt the effectiveness of the karate of Sensei Pascal.

On Thursday, October 6, 2011 we went to Rosmalen. Diversions were the reason we were a little too late. It was this time henté and gono sen. Again, the participants of this training were enthusiast. Especially when Sensei Vincent Boukema had to defend himself against two opponents. Very good is to see that all Sensei Vincent had many years experience in the Kase-Ha. I am very proud of him!

Open hand technics

We can look back on a very nice week. Sensei Pascal is not only a good karate teacher, but also a person who is looking for a good balance in his life. Despite the language barrier (English, French and Dutch), we could understand each other. Kase-Ha Karate is not just a form but also a large group of friends.

Senseis Hans van Galen Pascal Lecourt André Brockbernd

 


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